The top U.S. central banker displayed a sunny disposition in a lunch with Democratic Senators, lawmakers who attended a closed-door luncheon reported on Thursday, the Wall Street Journal reported.

“He’s optimistic about the economy,” said Sen. Barbara Boxer, Democrat of California.

For the first time in a few years, Bernanke sees some “winds to our back,” said Sen. Tom Carper, Democrat of Delaware.

Sen. Charles Schumer, Democrat of New York, said Bernanke didn’t seem so worried about the federal budget deficit anymore.

The Democratic Senators said they gave Bernanke a standing ovation at the end of their meal.

Bernanke left the lunch without talking to reporters camped outside. His term expires on Jan. 31.

While Bernanke was saying his goodbyes to the senators, his successor Janet Yellen is beginning to shoulder some of his responsibilities.

The Fed vice chairwoman attended her first meeting of the Financial Stability Oversight Council on Thursday since being confirmed by the Senate, said Suzanne Elio, a Treasury spokesperson. The subject was typically dour. The Fed staff presented a report on enhanced prudential standards.